Pumpkin Trail Moray to ensure local children won't miss out on Halloween fun this October
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A MORAY mother of four has helped save Halloween for local children by coming up with an imaginative way of ensuring guising can go ahead this year.
New Elgin woman Emma Vaccaro – inspired by her sister who is doing a similar thing in England – came up with Pumpkin Trail Moray at the weekend.
The idea, which will see coronavirus measures in place while kids trick-or-treat, has taken off rapidly, with 2000 members on the Pumpkin Trail Moray Facebook group from across the whole of Moray.
The aim of the game is for those taking part to put a poster in their window with the words 'Pumpkin Trail Moray' on it. Parents should buy sweets for their own children and give them a treat when they spot a poster in a window.
The trail, which will take place between Friday, October 30 and Sunday, November 1, ensures guising is still possible – all while remaining at a safe distance with no door knocking required.
Mrs Vaccaro, who has four children aged between 10 and 16, said: "It all started as a crazy idea. My sister started it in her local area and I thought why not do it here.
"I saw a lot of posts about Halloween and trick or treating on social media. I thought this was a way where Halloween won't be cancelled, and the kids can still enjoy it, but there will be no door knocking or sweets handed over.
"I'm still trying to get the idea out there more. I had thought I would only get a few likes on the Facebook group but it has gone well.
"It's great to see communities coming together."
With people from Keith, Portgordon, Forres, Kinloss, Elgin and more involved in the fun, Mrs Vaccaro added that she will be making a list of all the streets taking part to avoid having people walk around in search of houses for too long.
There are a number of bonus activities which will take place alongside the trail – including a best display competition and a pumpkin treasure hunt. The pumpkin treasure hunt will be made available in the Facebook group for participants to print off.
You can join the group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/3556424761055984 .
A slightly different idea has been put forward by Ericka Louise Murchison from Lossiemouth. Plans here are to light up Lossie and allow kids to get walking around the town throughout October.
Ms Murchison said: "We are encouraging people to walk around their own neighbourhoods looking at fun decorated Halloween windows. It's not a trial as such.
"I thought this might lighten the current mood and give families and kids something exciting to create. Let’s light up Lossiemouth."
